International students with childcare costs

You must bring adequate funds to the UK to cover any childcare costs. There is no UK government or QMUL provision to help with childcare costs.

If your children are here as your dependants, they will be eligible for a free school place from the age of 5. However, you will still have to pay for any before or after school care that you need for your child.

You may also qualify for a part-time early learning place for 3 – 4 year olds for 15 hours per week in school term time. Rarely some 2 year olds may also be eligible if they have significant special needs. You can find out more about places through your Local Authority’s early years section.

This means that most two year old children in No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) families will not be able to receive free childcare as eligibility is generally linked to the parent being in receipt of certain welfare benefits, all of which are public funds​, and cannot be claimed by people with NRPF.​

Children age 3 and 4 - 15 hours free childcare

In England, all children of age three and four are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare or early education each year, which must be taken over at least 38 weeks, for example, 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This can be provided to children in NRPF households.

Children age 3 and 4 - 30 hours free childcare

From September 2017, parents who are working and earning on average at least £120 per week will be able to apply for an additional 570 hours of free childcare each year. Children may also be eligible if a parent is on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or unable to work due to a disability or caring responsibilities.

A parent who has leave to remain with the NRPF condition cannot apply for this additional childcare. However if they have a partner who is entitled to apply who does have recourse to public funds then they may make the application instead.

Children under 12 (or disabled children under 17) - tax free childcare

Parents who are working, and earning on average at least £120 per week, may be able to benefit from the government's tax-free childcare scheme. This scheme is available nationally.

A parent who has leave to remain with the NRPF condition cannot apply for this additional childcare. However if they have a partner who is entitled to apply who does have recourse to public funds then they may make the application instead. ​

Disclaimer:Law, regulations and policies can change quickly. The information on our website is given in good faith and has been carefully checked but QMUL cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. QMUL is not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites which are provided for further information.